| Summary: | The objective of the trial was to study the physiological function and
potential ecological significance of non-glandular trichomes in red clover
based on their relation to the leaf transpiration intensity. The
transpiration rate, relative water content and water deficit of the leaves
were recorded in field-grown, high and slightly pubescent genotypes.
According to results, the presence of nonglandular epidermal trichomes on the
leaf surface of red clover was a micromorphological trait related to the
regulation of leaf transpiration in stressful conditions. Non-glandular
trichomes significantly enhanced water retention of the leaf tissue at high
leaf water deficit. In the environmental conditions, limiting leaf
evaporation, the pubescent genotypes displayed higher levels of
transpiration. It can be suggested that the non-glandular trichomes in red
clover are morphological structures supporting the function of leaf stoma
apparatus. A positive relation between the degree of pubescence and
resistance to powdery mildew was established under natural conditions.
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